By Editor
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties, including the first from Egyptian and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, as Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout for third place at the Africa Cup Nations on Saturday.
Nigeria had the ball in Egypt’s net twice, but the efforts from Paul Onauchu in the first half and Ademola Lookman after the break were ruled out.
Onauchu’s was disallowed because he had elbowed Egypt defender Hamdi Fathy in the face, which was confirmed after a VAR check.
Lookman, who came on as a half-time substitute, had his effort chalked off for offside.
Salah and Omar Marmoush had their penalty kicks saved by Nwabali at the start of the shootout after the teams drew 0-0 in normal time. No extra time was played for the consolation of a bronze medal.
It was the Super Eagles’ second consecutive penalty shootout following a scoreless draw after losing the semifinal to Morocco on penalties on Wednesday.
Nwabali produced a strong hand to stop a well-taken penalty from Salah, then thwarted Marmoush’s effort straight down the middle with his foot.
Salah had been kept quiet by Nigeria’s defenders and was unable to add to his 11 Africa Cup goals altogether.
Victor Osimhen remained on Nigeria’s substitutes’ bench, with words that he was carrying an injury from the semifinal defeat to Morocco. Osimhen was taken off in extra time of that game just before the penalty shootout.
Morocco and Senegal will contest the final in Rabat on Sunday. Sadio Mané’s goal was enough to send Senegal through with a 1-0 win over Egypt in their semifinal.
Nigeria have now finished third at nine Cup of Nations tournaments.
Photo: Goalkeeper Nwabali being celebrated by teammates.
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